Destination Canada
Canada has introduced a system that reduces student visa processing time from 60 to 45 days.
What does this mean?
It shows that the Canadian Government is keener than ever before to have Indian students on board.
Which are the major intake months?
September and January
Why Canada?
One, high employment rate. Two, a wide choice of institutions. The North American country has 96 colleges/universities. Three, the multi-cultural environment in Canada has a pulling power for Indian students. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, as on December 31, 2017, Canada had 494,525 international students. This number, sourced from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was an increase of 20% over 2016. This figure signified a major success for Canada: The country had surpassed the Canada’s International Education Strategy goal of having 450,000 international students by 2022, five years ahead of schedule. China at 28% constitutes the maximum number of inbound students, followed by India (25%) and South Korea (5%). C.B. Paul Chellakumar, group chairman, Campus Abroad, says Canada has been slowly but steadily introducing reforms to attract foreign students. “They insist on getting quality students,” he says. The faster visa processing time is applicable to students under the ‘Student Direct Stream’ (SDS) programme. These are aspirants with the requisite requisite financial resource and language skills. The erstwhile Student Partners Programme (SPP) which also made for quicker processing visa time, was offered to students applying to only 40-odd Canadian colleges. The SDS programme is available to students opting for post-secondary courses like Business, Computing, Health and Social Sciences. “Students interested in SDS programme are expected to have a score of 6 in all bands of IELTS,” says Chellakumar. He says many students are opting for two-year diploma programme and they become eligible for a three-year work permit after completion of the course.
Kiwi calling
The New Zealand Government offers a three-year post-study open work visa for those pursuing courses under Level 7 (graduate diplomas) or above. Besides, it has also done away with the employer-assisted post-study visa at all levels.
What does this mean?
New Zealand certainly wants more international students to come to their country. At the same time, it prefers students who opt for certain programmes and are pursuing a higher level of qualification. According to www.immigration.govt.nz, all the changes that come into effect from November 26 will ensure “post-study pathways for international students are fit-for-purpose and contribute the skills and qualifications New Zealand needs.”
Which are the major intake months?
July and February
Why New Zealand?
The country may not be among the top study destinations for Indian students, but is certainly trying to get there. According to the New Zealand Immigration website, in 2017, India had 6425 visa approvals and 3004 visa rejections. “The time when India saw maximum number of students going to New Zealand was in 2011-12 when the 'fund transfer scheme' was introduced. Following its withdrawal, and especially in the last two years, we have not seen many Indian students going to New Zealand for higher studies,” says Rohit Sethi, director, ESS Global. Besides top-rated universities and programmes, New Zealand offers extra incentives for studying in select areas. This includes a three-year post study work visa for international students pursuing a degree and a higher qualification outside Auckland. “I think this is a good opportunity as there will be more job openings and better exposure,” says Sethi.
Business is the most sought-after post-graduate programme, followed by Information Technology and engineering. Compared to Canada and Australia, visa policy is stringent in New Zealand. “For instance, immigration authorities insist that financial statement be furnished for six months, which poses a huge challenge to middle-class families,” says Sethi. However, those with a good academic record and financial security or who avail educational loans do not have problems in getting a visa.
Other countries
Australia: Students who have completed qualification at Level 8 or 9 are entitled to a two year work visa and those who complete Masters’ (Level 9) by research are entitled to three years. Level 10 entitles the student to a four year work visa.
USA: Students are eligible for a one year work visa in a role directly related to the field of study. Students who undertake study in a STEM field can apply for a two year extension to their visa.
UK: Students with a “genuine and credible” business idea can qualify for a one year visa with the possibility for renewal for a further year. Students who have completed a doctorate can qualify for a one year extension to their student visa to allow them to find employment.
Ireland: Students who have completed a qualification at Level 9 or 10 are eligible for a two-year open work visa. A Level 8 qualification entitles students to a one year open work visa.
Source: www.immigration.govt.nz
